We need to take the long view on the environment – The Record

April 25, 2024

Indigenous teachings can help shape our relationship to the environment. One such teaching is the Haudenosaunee “seventh generation principle.” If we start applying the seven generations principle to all of the big issues our communities face, then perhaps Indigenous teachings will help inform our shared understanding of the past — and inform a shared and better future, too.

This past Sunday, I participated in a Rotary Club Earth Day cleanup event. As we walked around, I reflected on how simple decisions, like throwing a piece of trash on the ground, can have a big impact over time. But I also thought about how Indigenous teachings can help shape our relationship to the environment. One such teaching is the Haudenosaunee “seventh generation principle.”

The Seventh Generation principle reminds us to consider the consequences of our actions — not just for next month or next year, but for the seven generations that follow. It might be tempting to dismiss this as overly idealistic — after all, we are talking about upwards of 140 years. Who thinks in such terms?

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